6GK1162-3AA00 PCI Express CP 1623 | Siemens

Introduction to the Siemens 6GK1162-3AA00 CP 1623

When a control system demands reliable, high-speed communication between a PC and Industrial Ethernet, the 6GK1162-3AA00 from Siemens is a proven solution. This communications processor, designated CP 1623, installs into a PCI Express x1 slot and provides a 2-port switch with RJ45 connectors. It supports transfer rates of 10, 100, and 1000 Mbit/s, making it suitable for modern plant networks that require both legacy and gigabit speeds.

For maintenance engineers, the CP 1623 offers a straightforward path to integrate a Windows-based PC station into a SIMATIC S7 environment. Because it is a Siemens original part, you can expect consistent behavior and long-term availability, which is critical for keeping production lines running.

Key Features and Technical Specifications

The 6GK1162-3AA00 is built around a PCI Express x1 interface (half-length format) and draws power from both the backplane bus (3.3 V and 12 V) and an optional external supply. This dual-power design enhances flexibility during installation. The module also includes a 2-pole terminal block for external 24 V DC or 10.5 to 32 V DC, allowing it to operate in diverse control cabinets.

• Transfer rate: 10 Mbit/s, 100 Mbit/s, 1000 Mbit/s
• Interfaces: 2 electrical connections (RJ45) for Industrial Ethernet; 1 for power supply
• Supply voltage: 3.3 V (from backplane) with 9% tolerance; 12 V (from backplane) with 8% tolerance; external 24 V with 33% tolerance
• Current consumption (max): 0.85 A from backplane at 3.3 V; 0.4 A from backplane at 12 V; 0.55 A from external at 12 V; 0.3 A from external at 24 V
• Power loss: 7.6 W typical; 7.2 W max in switch mode
• Ambient temperature: 5 to 55 °C operating; -20 to +60 °C storage/transport
• Relative humidity: up to 95% at 25 °C (non-condensing)
• Protection class: IP00
• Dimensions: 18 mm x 111 mm x 167 mm; net weight 124 g

One distinctive feature is the integrated 2-port switch, which allows daisy-chaining of devices without an external switch, reducing cabling and simplifying network topology. This is especially useful in machine cells where space is limited.

Applications and Use Cases

In a typical industrial PC-based control system, the 6GK1162-3AA00 serves as the communication gateway between the PC and the plant network. It is commonly used in SCADA systems, HMI stations, and data acquisition nodes where S7 communication is required. For example, a maintenance engineer might install this card in a PC that monitors multiple PLCs, using S7 communication to read diagnostics and process data.

The multi-protocol mode allows up to 120 active connections, making it versatile for mixed environments. Additionally, with PROFINET CBA support (via PN CBA OPC server), it can participate in component-based automation systems.

Installation and Setup

Installing the CP 1623 is a straightforward process for any technician familiar with PCI Express cards. First, power down the PC and remove the cover. Insert the card into an available PCI Express x1 slot, ensuring it is fully seated. Secure the bracket to the chassis. Connect the external power supply (if used) to the 2-pole terminal block, observing polarity. Then, connect the Ethernet cables to the RJ45 ports. After booting the PC, install the required software, such as SIMATIC NET CD V7.0 HF1 or later, which includes the HARDNET-IE S7 and S7-REDCONNECT drivers.

For redundant S7 communication, the S7-REDCONNECT software is required. This allows the CP 1623 to communicate with SIMATIC S7 H systems, providing high availability. Ensure that the PC's BIOS is set to allow the card to draw power from the backplane (3.3 V and 12 V) as specified.

Maintenance and Reliability

From a maintenance perspective, the 6GK1162-3AA00 is a low-maintenance component. However, regular inspection is recommended to ensure reliable operation. Check that the card is firmly seated in its slot and that all cable connections are secure. Keep the surrounding area free of dust and debris, as the IP00 rating means the card is not protected against ingress. Operate the module within the specified temperature range (5 to 55 °C) to avoid thermal stress.

Because the card has no moving parts, its lifespan is typically long. Still, it is wise to monitor the network status LEDs (if present) to detect any link issues early. For any firmware or software updates, follow Siemens' official documentation. If a fault occurs, verify that the power supply voltages are within tolerance, as specified in the datasheet.

Compatibility and Integration

The CP 1623 is designed to work with SIMATIC NET software, specifically HARDNET-IE S7 and S7-REDCONNECT. It supports S7 communication, open communication via SEND/RECEIVE, and PROFINET CBA. It also supports SNMP v1 and DCP for network management, but not SNMP v3 or LLDP. The card includes I&M0 and I&M1 identification functions, which help in asset management.

For integration, the card can be used in a PC station with up to 4 plug-in cards of the same design. This allows for multiple network connections if needed. The configuration software is included with the required software product, and for PROFINET CBA, SIMATIC iMAP is required.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue is the card not being recognized by the operating system. This can be due to insufficient power from the backplane. Check the BIOS settings to ensure the PCIe slot provides the required 3.3 V and 12 V. Another issue is network connectivity problems. Verify that the Ethernet cables are properly connected to the RJ45 ports and that the transfer rate matches the network switch (10/100/1000 Mbit/s).

If the card fails to communicate with S7 PLCs, confirm that the HARDNET-IE S7 software is installed and that the connection numbers are within the maximum limits (120 for S7/PG, 40 for optimized). Also, ensure that the PC station is configured correctly in the SIMATIC Manager. For redundant systems, verify that S7-REDCONNECT is installed and configured.

Product Support and Availability

The Siemens 6GK1162-3AA00 is available at AutoDCSTech. As an industrial automation parts supplier, we ensure that our inventory is genuine and ready to ship. For technical support or to verify lifecycle status, contact our team. We are here to help you keep your automation systems running efficiently.